Some companies require a minimum number of years of experience from job applicants. However, there can be a few hidden advantages of hiring someone without a lot of years’ work history as well. Consider these ideas the next time your organization is preparing to fill a position.
no un-teaching bad habits
People with a lot of prior experience are necessarily people with a lot of habits. They have developed their own (or someone else's) way of doing things over the years. Hiring them means training them double time: To carry out tasks in a way that works for your team rather than just rely on what they're used to.
When you hire someone green, you have a blank canvas to work with. Everything from how they answer the phone to how they format an expense report can be easily customized to fit your business. By spending your time and expertise, you can help develop an employee who functions as though they were born to work for your company.
gratitude abounds
Seasoned workers are more likely to think they can get just about any job they apply for. Meanwhile, someone new to the industry is more likely to be eager to work and learn. This means that, as their first employer in an industry, there is a chance for you to build a relationship with them that will keep them loyal to the company. Lower turnover and higher employee satisfaction means more productivity and profit.
And this concept doesn't just apply to people who are new to the working world or your industry in specific. Some people are re-entering the workforce after changing careers, recovering from a disease such as drug addiction or depression, or bouncing back from a divorce. These people will likely have as much gratitude for the position you give them as the average new employee, maybe even more.
lower salaries with rewards for growth
Highly experienced hires have gotten used to a certain lifestyle that demands a particular salary level. Because inexperienced employees are newly entering a field, their expectations for compensation are often relatively low. This helps save you money until you have developed an employee who is worth the higher pay. Offering a 5 percent raise if someone completes a certification course or a bonus after they complete a predetermined number of major projects are strong ways to increase their appreciation of their responsibilities as a member of your enterprise.
Being more open-minded about hiring less experienced workers doesn't mean that your company loses. If you're willing to go beyond revenue and invest your time and expertise in your employees, you might find that you reap a strong company environment, heightened employee morale and increased productivity. All three of which translates into more prosperity for your business.